Hello Members,
Considering purchase of a 2000 GrandVilla w/ 123,000 miles from a dealer. What is the life expectancy of air bags & slide out rubber seal....should that be negotiated to be updated after 17yrs.... I am planning on traveling to Texas to inspect this coach on Thursday 7/1717.....continuing my search with a goal to purchase within next few months, no urgency but big interest & curiosity. I work a two week on & two week away schedule & plan on being a full timer when home. I have had a series of RV's over the years, two class A gas units, a fifth wheel, and currently own a class C, 30ft w/ Ford power stroke diesel engine that has sold me on diesel torque! Ready to upgrade to DP for full time use. Any advice appreciated.
Ivan
my air bags are still fine at 22 years.
Try to have someone familiar with Foretravel coaches accompany you at the inspection. And NO, I don't mean the salesman at the dealership, unless it is FOT (Foretravel of Texas) or MOT (Motorhomes of Texas). We have a trusted member on this Forum who is sometimes available to assist with PPI's (pre-purchase inspections). Try sending a PM to Brett Wolfe for the details, if you are interested in getting some qualified help.
http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=profile;u=12
X2, big time! We looked at a few FTs at " used coach lots" and my BS detector went off every time!
X2 on a qualified second party inspection regardless of the dealership( the dealers want to sell and do repairs). A 17 year old motor home can have some BIG issues. Nothing worse than big $$$ surprises.
I would say check the tire date codes and figure you are going to need new fuel lines and sooner or later airbags. Then there is the SHocks you will probably need to replace as well if they have not been done yet. Also, it seems as though the bulkheads are a issue and needs to be examined. The slide out on that model year require removal of the slide to replace the bladder and they usually last about 7-10 years. Then I would run the AH and see if the thing smokes or has issues. A good inspection by someone who knows these coaches is well worth it.
I would certainly check the front, top and sides of the slide for delamination. You can just bang em with your palm and see if they flex.
Rich
Ivan,
I will follow with the advice, get a known expert to inspect it before going any further. You do not say where in Louisiana you are, but there are several expert inspectors in East Texas in the Nacogdoches area that may come out you way for a suitable fee!!
On the other hand take a trip up to Nacogdoches and see what the various specialist shops have on their lots. Motor Homes of Texas, Old Town and of course Foretravel themselves. I was there a few months ago and there was quite a selection with the technical expertise to make sure you get a good one.
If you want a longer trip my 2001 40ft U320 is available in Montana. 79,000mls and all equipped and ready for use down to the last knife, fork and spoon. PM me if interested. This is not a project coach, and was in Nacogdoches earlier this year for an inspection and polish, so ready to go.
Speedbird 1.